Cricket: Bates has one shot to show his worth

Auckland Aces left arm bowler Michael Bates. Photo / Sarah Ivey

With the one-sided romps over Zimbabwe soon to be a thing of the past, some Black Caps may feel as though they're on trial in Napier today.

Not for the two Twenty20 internationals that follow the ODI series, but for a far greater challenge to come.

South Africa, one of the premier sides in world cricket, will follow their less illustrious African neighbours for three matches in all three forms of the game.

For the newer members of the New Zealand set-up, today may be their last chance to stake a place to take on the Proteas.

None is as new as Michael Bates. The Auckland seamer makes his international debut at McLean Park knowing, aside from the hit-and-giggle of T20 cricket, he has only 10 overs to prove he belongs.

Bates has long been tipped as a prospect for higher honours and, following successful stints from Tom Latham and Andrew Ellis, Zimbabwe is proving the perfect opponent against which to test New Zealand's newest talent.

"Right through the series we've given guys opportunities,'' New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum said. "It's certainly not a trial, just some greater opportunities for guys.''

Unlike Latham and Ellis, Bates has only one chance to seize his opportunity. It may be Zimbabwe, and it may be a dead rubber, but McCullum urged the likes of Bates to contribute if they want to avoid becoming one-time Black Caps.

"There's no excuses - they've got to stand up and perform and get the job done and make sure we get the results we desire.''

Under John Wright's reign, New Zealand's domestic cricketers know their form will be rewarded with an international call-up. And few bowlers on the domestic scene have shown as much form in recent season as Bates.

He led the wicket-taking charts for Auckland in their successful T20 campaign this season and has taken 32 wickets in 24 one-day games for the Aces.

Yesterday McCullum called it a "great opportunity'' for the 28-year-old, one he tipped him to take with both hands.

"Batesy deserves his opportunity, he's played well for Auckland for a number of years now and I'm sure he'll do well given his chance tomorrow.''

If he does, considering the variation his left-armers provide to the Black Caps' attack, Bates' name may be in line to feature against South Africa. So while it may be 'only Zimbabwe' you can guarantee Bates possesses an altogether different view.